It is standard for taxpayers to pay for six months of Secret Service protection for former vice presidents. Cheney requested an extension of that protection, however, and the president granted his request. The former vice president will now have at least another six months of protection.

Homeland Security Secretary Janet Napolitano signed an order to extend Cheney's detail on July 17th, according to the Secret Service. The Daily News says friends of the former vice president "have said he has become more concerned about his privacy and personal safety in recent years."

Cheney is expected to request another extension when this one runs out. He has been in the news recently for his possible role in a decision to conceal a secret CIA antiterrorism program from Congress.